Data connector and labeling apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a plug that can be fit into network ports. The plug features a flexible extrusion that fits into a aperture in the back of the plug. The when the flexible extrusion is linked into the aperture, it creates a loop that can hold a hang tag. The hang tag can be used to label the plug. The loop created by the plug can be tightened, so that it fits around a cable, in order to label the cable, once the plug has been removed from the socket.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Not Applicable.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0003]1. Field of the Invention[0004]The disclosed subject matter is in the field of plugs for information technology.[0005]2. Background of the Invention[0006]Often times, large companies will have server rooms with hundreds, and maybe thousands of network ports. Some of these ports will have cables plugged into them; some will not. Sometimes ports are numbered, but at times it can be impossible to know which port is wired and where it terminates. When maintenance must be performed on the network system, often times it means that a network engineer must test each port individually to determine where it is hooked up. This can be a laborious process. Furthermore, endless streams of cables can be a nightmare for network engineers. Trying to figure out what cable corresponds to which office, floor, network, etc. can be a ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention introduces a tool that makes it easy and low-cost to label network sockets. This labeling system enables easy and re-labeling of network sockets.

Problems solved by technology

Sometimes ports are numbered, but at times it can be impossible to know which port is wired and where it terminates.

This can be a laborious process.

Furthermore, endless streams of cables can be a nightmare for network engineers.

In addition, empty jacks can pose security risks.

Unauthorized users can insert cables into the jacks and potentially infect the network with viruses or malware.

The seal closes off the plug, but does not provide a label for said plug.

While it might be possible to purchase plugs for commonplace names such as “2nd Floor Conference Room” or “Reception Area”, it might be difficult or expensive to have labels custom made for every room or location in a large office.

Furthermore, there is no flexibility with these labels.

The device will lock and can only be removed with a key.

While this is useful to prevent tampering, it is not useful if an IT worker needs easy access to the device.

Carrying extra keys may be burdensome to an IT professional.

When there are thousands of jacks, it would be cumbersome to have to use a key to access a port, especially if there were different keys for different jacks.

The problem with an adhesive tag is that it can be very difficult to remove and is not flexible if the cord needs to be relabeled.

The problems with this labeling system are similar to the ones associated with the Maycock patent.

With pre-printed manufactured labels, there are only so many common labels and to deviate from that requires special orders and could become burdensome.

This label is useful, but it may become difficult to relabel if the connector is moved or needs relabeling.

However, tags cannot be used to identify a cable that is plugged into the jack if the tag is ever removed.

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